Lara

World of Hetar, Book 1

By: Bertrice Small

Narrated by: Christine Rendel

Length: 18 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author and master of romance Bertrice Small welcomes you to the magical, sensual World of Hetar.

For Lara, a half faerie, half human, her beauty is a blessing and a curse. Sold into a Pleasure House by her father, she commits herself to a lifetime of servitude. But even in a place where pleasure is not censured but encouraged, her otherworldly beauty proves too much for her suitors.

When Lara escapes, she is introduced to a new way of life, and an incredible man who opens her eyes to the growing unrest among their people...and the extraordinary destiny that awaits her. Lara will journey the depths of desire and despair to find a love that will last an eternity - a love that will change Hetar forever.

Contains mature themes.

©2005 Bertrice Small (P)2020 Tantor

Excellent narrator

I was very impressed with Christine Rendel narration of Lara. She did a different voice character for each person in this book. Looking forward to book 2. Only one other narrator books was a different voice used for each character. He won many awards for narrating this series of books. Doing over 150 voice characters. I have read many of Bertrice Small books over the last 25 years. I have never been disappointed with any of her books. May she rest in peace.

Love it!

I have read the series multiple times… so happy to finally find the series on Audible.

Another great read

As always Ms. Small delivers! I’ve read this book before and it always takes me another place and time.

I love this Series

I enjoyed this book when I was 16 and I enjoy it at 32. Overall I love this story. I suggest to those who are new to it give it a chance. The main Character is slow to develop BUT really takes off toward the end but more so in the next books. She is only 14 and that is something to keep in mind throughout reading. My only issue was the accent the Narrator put on for Kilik. My favorite male Character in the series. Sounds like she is trying to mix in some french accent but then its comes and goes.
I can't wait for the other books to arrive on audible.

Fantastic read!

Highly recommend!
Loved it!
Great book!
Can't wait to read the rest of the books!

New Author For Me!

This was the first book I have heard from this Author, Beatrice Small. Truly enjoyed it plus it’s a series! The Narrator Christine Rendel is amazing! Will definitely add her as well to favorites!

Enjoyable

Enjoyable and versatile indeed amazing creatures with gifts and wisdom, great for lonely nights and rainy days

I've always loved Beatrice small books

I'm so glad she's bringing more of her books to audible I hope she brings all of them.

I ended up really loving this book!

I was a little skeptical at first for reasons that I won’t spoil. But the trials and later meanings went in such a different direction that it really pulled it together in a surprising way!! And although I eventually grew to like the narrator, I had to listen at a speed of 1.1x for it to sound more natural. I’ve already got the second book in the series in my queue and I’m dying to start it!!

Unremarkable

I read quite a few reviews made by people who were disgusted and concerned about the age of the main character, Lara. It's a story, and also there is some explanation in the culture that is part of this work of fiction that it was considered normal to be married by the age of 14. So whatever, I'm willing to accept whatever premise an author chooses to include. Different stories, even ones we don't agree with, expand our minds. I've read a lot worse as far as that kind of thing goes.

The narration was well done for the most part, I wasn't blown away, but I'm not sure if it was the material that I didn't like or the narrator's interpretation of the story. In my opinion the writing is very dry. I found it very hard to care about what happened to Lara and am struggling to continue with this audiobook. I might be able to finish eventually if it still is available, and who knows, the author may still pique my interest. I was initially excited at the beginning to read a new story about a new imagined place but I feel like I'm done with this place and these characters for now and probably won't miss them.